2004 TD5 Defender - flat battery, alarm/immobiliser issue

2004 TD5 Defender - flat battery, alarm/immobiliser issue

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Discussion

tomw2000

Original Poster:

2,508 posts

202 months

Tuesday 8th December 2020
quotequote all
Hello all.

I've been neglectful and not really had my 2004 TD5 defender running since March.

Battery is flat. And once I connect to a 'jump pack' or battery charger, it gets stuck in a seemingly infinite loop of alarm/immobiliser issues.

In that the alarm starts to go off and when I try and start the engine there's no joy and the red immobiliser dashboard light is on .

I had the local garage pop down and all they were able to do was recommend a local auto electrical place who might be able to help me bypass the alarm/immobiliser such that I can get it started. I want to get it to the local garage for MOT and a few other bits and bobs.

But I've googled around loads of Defender/Landrover forums and can't find a definitive answer about the best way to get it started. Although I did read it might be best to attempt to attach a fully charged battery. Either way I'm a little stuck currently.

I replaced battery in the keyfob and have been trying to use that to disable alarm/immobiliser - with no success. Have tried this when keys in the ignition and not in ignition.

Anyone have any ideas about how to resolve this - especially people who've been through similar themselves.

Many thanks in advance

Tom

jeremyc

24,519 posts

291 months

Tuesday 8th December 2020
quotequote all
tomw2000 said:
I replaced battery in the keyfob and have been trying to use that to disable alarm/immobiliser - with no success. Have tried this when keys in the ignition and not in ignition.
You may have to re-sync the fob with the vehicle - the procedure is in the Owner's Manual. smile

tomw2000

Original Poster:

2,508 posts

202 months

Tuesday 8th December 2020
quotequote all
jeremyc said:
ou may have to re-sync the fob with the vehicle - the procedure is in the Owner's Manual. smile
Good to know - many thanks. I'll take a look at that for sure.

tomw2000

Original Poster:

2,508 posts

202 months

Wednesday 7th July 2021
quotequote all
An update for anyone remotely interested.

After sitting there rotting into the drive, undriven and unstartable (by me...) for a further 6mths - a couple of weeks ago a nice local LR indie specialist came to collect the car.

A new battery resolved my 'stuck' immobiliser/alarm fun merry-go-round.

As well as this, the following was undertaken:

- service
- MOT
- new brake pads/discs all round
- new brake pipes
- new steering guard
- new front suspension springs
- short shift gear thingy fitted
- new front bumper
- new windscreen wiper motor and blades

Obviously, I just need to keep using regularly.
Still considering if I'm going to sell it. I've a mate who wants first refusal. Plus a local who keeps putting notes through the door.

But now it's up and running, I've fallen in love all over again. And pondering further work.
Mechanically it's all sound. Cosmetically it needs work. But I'm reticent to make it look fancy because I don't want it to become a focus for crims.
Maybe some better sound proofing, better car entertainment, better headlights.....

I'll update in 6-12 months when I can't start it again smile





Edited by tomw2000 on Wednesday 7th July 09:29

paintman

7,764 posts

197 months

Wednesday 7th July 2021
quotequote all
Periodically charge the battery with a battery charger.

Battery issues are probably the main cause of late Land Rover vehicle electrical troubles & the usual advice on forums is to fully charge the existing battery with a battery charger or replace with a known good fully charged battery.

tomw2000

Original Poster:

2,508 posts

202 months

Wednesday 7th July 2021
quotequote all
Yep. Annoyingly (stupidly...) I have a battery conditioner. So if the Defender isn't getting much use, I'll attach that.